"I was at home relaxing with my three children when I received a message notifying me that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I immediately told my children, and we were all so happy. It came as a complete surprise because I wasn’t expecting the money at all. The first thought that came to my mind was to use the money to address the school fees burden. Knowing I could now take care of this important need filled me with relief and gratitude. The unexpected blessing brought joy to our home, and I felt reassured that I could support my children’s education."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash from GiveDirectly is that I now have two more sheep. Before, I had eight, and I’ve always wanted to increase their number because they will generate income and help me during emergencies if needed. In addition to that, I was able to buy enough food, which helped my family get through a tough period with plenty to eat. I also managed to clear the small debt I had, and now I live peacefully without the stress of owing anyone. This support has made a huge impact on my life, bringing me closer to my goals and giving me peace of mind."

"Before I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly, my family struggled a lot, especially after floods destroyed our home. We had been living in a small, old manyatta, which was not enough for my family of five children. After the floods swept it away, we were left with very little, and life was hard. However, with the help of the GiveDirectly transfers, I was able to buy building materials and construct a new house. Now, we live in a much better home, and our lives have greatly improved. The house has brought us dignity and comfort, something we didn’t have before. The transfers have also made a big difference in my children's education. Before, my child would miss school for days because I couldn’t afford the fees. But ever since I used the GiveDirectly money to pay for school fees, my child has never missed a single day of school. This has been a huge relief for me, knowing my children’s education is no longer disrupted."

"The biggest change in my daily life is that my children now have a comfortable place to sleep since I was able to buy a bed and mattress. Before, we used to sleep on the floor, which was hard. I also managed to stock up on food, so now we can have at least two meals a day. Before this, we could only afford to eat once a day. I am forever grateful for the support that has brought smiles in our faces."

"Now that I am in my final year of secondary school, preparing for my transition is very important. After secondary school, I want to join college and study education, as I have dreams of becoming a teacher by profession. To do this, I have been buying goats and chickens, and I hope that they multiply in number so that in the future I may be able to sell some of them and use the proceeds to pay my school fees. Additionally, I also intend to continue using a portion of my transfers to pay school fees for myself and assist my parents, as I know this is very heavy on them since they do not have a stable and reliable source of income. I am very grateful for these transfers from GiveDirectly, as they have been very helpful in my educational journey, and I am hopeful that I can achieve my dreams."

"When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I felt deeply grateful to God. This money was a chance for me to rebuild my life, especially after being displaced by floods. I used $50 to buy iron sheets, and I am planning to add more with future transfers to construct a house. Currently, my family is living in a temporary makeshift shelter, which puts us at risk of floods and diseases. I have a two-year-old child, and this motivates me to use the money wisely to ensure their safety and well-being. With $98, I purchased household items, including utensils, a table, plastic chairs, and a mattress. These items helped me recover from the floods, as all my previous belongings were swept away by the rushing waters. Now, I have essential items that make our daily life easier. Finally, I spent $32 on food for my family. This was crucial because I had no harvest due to the floods and no job to earn money for food. I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has made a significant difference in our lives."

"In the coming year, my goal is to start goat farming because goats are more affordable and easier to maintain than cows, even though I already have one cow. I plan to save at least $10 monthly from my transfers to accumulate enough to buy one goat at a time. Currently, a goat costs around $50 due to high demand, but with steady savings, I know I can reach that amount. Starting with one goat, I hope to slowly build a herd, which will provide my family with a reliable source of income through offspring and meat selling. Over time, this will not only improve our financial stability but also allow me to expand the farm."

"Since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've seen is that I was finally able to pay off the school fees arrears for my two children. Before this, they were at risk of being sent home. I mainly depend on maize farming, which I sell to Kenya Seed to raise money. The unfortunate part is that Kenya Seed often delays their payments for a long time, and this has always been a challenge for us. Without timely payments, it’s difficult to handle urgent expenses like school fees, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, I’ve been able to cover those costs without worrying about when the payments from my maize will come through."

"After receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I decided to prioritize my most pressing needs. First, I used $50 to buy food. This has been a great help because, at my old age, I am no longer able to work and depend on my children to take care of me. Thanks to this support from GiveDirectly, I no longer skip meals like I used to, and I have enough food to eat. Next, I used $100 to buy building materials. I currently live in a traditional manyatta house, but I want to build a more modern home that will provide better comfort and security. This is something I have longed for, and now I am one step closer to making it happen. Lastly, I spent $30 to go to the hospital. I was sick and needed medical attention, and with the help from GiveDirectly, I was able to get the medication I needed. I am truly grateful for this support, which has improved my well-being in so many ways."

"When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I was so happy and thankful. I knew I had several priorities to take care of, so I decided to plan carefully. At that time, my daughter, who is in secondary school, was on vacation, but schools were about to open. I spent $50 on her school fees to ensure she could return without any delay. Since then, she has never missed school, unlike before when she often stayed home due to a lack of fees. After taking care of that, I used another $50 to buy food. I made sure to buy enough, knowing that when my little one arrived, we would have enough to eat. With seven children, I also wanted them to feel the support. So, I used $50 to buy clothes for everyone in the household. This made my family happy, and they all appreciated the help. Lastly, I set aside $50 for any emergencies related to my delivery. This money was a big help when the time came. I was able to go to the hospital and pay the bills, and now I’ve delivered safely. I’m so grateful to GiveDirectly for their support—it made a real difference in our lives."